Human Anatomy taught through the lens of the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon and the Starz television series
Do you have happy feet (ouch to these!)? Anatomy Lesson #59, Sweet Feet is Tomorrow!
The deeply grateful,
Outlander Anatomist
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Anatomy def: The paired depressor anguli oris (sing. angulus) are one of many muscles of facial expression. Spanning from mandible (lower jaw) to edges of mouth, these depressors pull corners of the mouth downward, as in a frown.
Outlander def: The “frightened, angry and verra scart muscles!” Young Ian displays a fierce frown as he watches the wicked witch wriggle and writhe!!!
Learn about depressor anguli oris in Anatomy Lesson #11, Jamie’s Face or Ye do it Face to Face, a lesson covering muscles of facial expression.
Checkout the downturn at the corners of young Ian’s mouth – especially noticeable on his right side. This is depressor anguli oris, adding marked emphasis to his displeasure with ghastly Geillis!
Read about young Ian’s terrifying meet-and-greet with the mad Mrs. Abernathy. Diana doesn’t describe frowning as part and parcel of their weirdly intimate encounter, but one might well imagine the corners of his mouth turning downward. Here from Voyager book , Ian explains to Uncle Jamie:
He had had little opportunity to feel homesick, though. Hercules—or Atlas—had marched him up the stairs into what was obviously Mistress Abernathy’s bedroom. Mrs. Abernathy was waiting for him, dressed in a soft, loose sort of gown with odd-looking figures embroidered round the hem of it in red and silver thread.
“I didna want to answer her, but I couldna seem to help myself. I felt verra warm, like I was fevered, and I couldna seem to move easy. But I answered all her questions, and her just sitting there, pleasant as might be, watching me close wi’ those big green eyes.”
“I knew ye’d come, Uncle Jamie,” he said, with a tremulous smile, “but ye left it a bit late, aye?” The smile widened, then broke, and he began to tremble. He blinked hard, fighting back tears.
See Ian’s depressor anguli oris muscles at work in Outlander episode 312, The Bakra. The frowning lad is grossed out after witnessing the Bakra’s goat blood bath! No sweet Mary here. Gah!
The deeply grateful,
Outlander Anatomist
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Photo Credit: Sony/Starz
Anatomy Def: Arrector pili (pl.) are small muscles attached to hair follicles. Contraction of these muscles pulls hairs upright, sometimes causing “goose bumps.”
Outlander Def: Beard hairs grant Claire endless moments of fascination. Stroking beard hairs causes arrector pili muscles to contract and raise the hairs – making shaving easier.
Learn about arrector pili (pl) muscles in Anatomy Lesson #6, “Claire’s Hair – Jamie’s Mane” or “Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!”
Arrector pili are smalll spindle-shaped muscles at the base of our body hairs. Under involuntary control, various stimuli cause arrector pili to contract including stroking, cold, fright, and aggression. Contraction may also aid expulsion of sebum from skin sebaceous glands.
Read about Jamie’s facial hairs in Voyager book, where, aboard the Artemis, Claire contemplates his substantial beard. Herself has a such way with words!
“… I wish you wouldn’t shave your beard just yet,” I added, as he bent to set down the tray he was holding.
“Why not?” He glanced curiously over his shoulder at me, and I felt the heat rising in my cheeks.
“Er … well. It’s a bit … different.”
“Oh, aye?” He stood up and took a step toward me.
… The dark blue eyes had slanted into triangles of amusement.
“How, different?” he asked.
“Well, it … um …” I brushed my fingers vaguely past my burning cheeks. “It feels different. When you kiss me. On my … skin.”
See Claire gently stroke Jamie’s beard in Outlander episode 313, Eye of the Storm. Warning! Warning! Arrector pili muscles on high alert! <G>
The deeply grateful,
Outlander Anatomist
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Photo Credit: Sony/Starz
